By chance, I have a soaring spirit's might
But utterly lack worldly skill, no light.
Before the path of glory could stand firm
I stepped first on disaster's trigger, term.
Long assigned, sunk as a clerk in Jing
Ashamed to have served among Cypress Terrace's wing.
Reasoning brings sorrow, easily confused
Homesickness, an illness hard to be excused.
Night companions: Wu oxen panting sound
Spring startled by northern geese returning round.
Northerners heartbroken to see me go
Western sun, eyes strained, sees my spirit low.
Only hoped my soul would return home
Who knew an imperial edict would come?
A parched fish gains a thousand-zhang deep stream
A stiff swallow revived by thunder's scream.
From dark case, I take the clear mirror out
Wipe old dust from my declining face, no doubt.
Dreaming of clouds, I hope for Purple Tower
Tired of rain, I bid yellow plums farewell this hour.
Relatives arrive to welcome in due time
At court ranks, seen accompanying in line.
Literary craftsmen still feel fear and dread
Courtiers absolutely no suspicion spread.
Newly know heroes from Penglai's hill
Deeply befriend talents from Hanlin's skill.
Strings of pearls cast, linked in a continuous line
Alone harmonizing, jade piles up fine.
Fierce rivals merely press and squeeze in vain
Weary troops also promote themselves for gain.
Grinding whetstone, blade that scrapes the bone
Tossing aside, abandoning heart's ash, alone.
Fear I'll make deities weep in despair
Worry I'll become Creation's disaster, rare.
Privately tune leaf-piercing arrows' flight
Surely drink the flag-capturing cup in fight.
Gold and treasure hidden in sand and grit
Orchids and iris seem like common weeds unfit.
Relying on your hair-breadth discernment keen
Do not let moss and mold obscure the sheen.